Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar

Name: Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 210 min
Total time: 215 min
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cup light brown sugar (divided); 1 (20 ounce) can sliced pineapple in 100% juice (don’t discard juice!); 5 lb boneless spiral cut ham; 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard; ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger; 1 ½ Tablespoons cornstarch; 3 Tablespoons butter

This slow cooker ham with pineapple and brown sugar is tender, juicy, and full of sweet-tangy flavor. The pineapple brown sugar glaze gets a little boost from ginger and Dijon, which adds just enough zip to balance the sweetness. It’s perfect for a holiday or family dinner, with just 5 minutes of prep and hardly any effort.

A platter of boneless spiral sliced ham surrounded by pineapple rings. Metal tongs are holding a slice of ham. The ham is glazed and slightly shiny. A crockpot is in the background.

If your family loves to cook up a holiday ham around this time of year, you’re in good company. We’ve made spiral honey ham, pecan praline glazed ham, and even air fryer spiral ham over the years, but this time we’re keeping it simple with crockpot brown sugar ham. It’s a deliciously easy way to make a show-stopping holiday meal or Sunday dinner.

This juicy ham recipe is practically hands-off, thanks to the slow cooker. The ham turns out moist and tender, with flavorful pineapple glaze. The ginger and Dijon add just enough warmth and tang without being overpowering.

We’ve made this slow cooker brown sugar ham for family gatherings, and it never disappoints. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas, or just want something a little special this weekend, this crockpot ham is a guaranteed hit.

A glazed spiral sliced ham sits in a black slow cooker with pineapple rings arranged between the slices and around the edges.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Just 5 minutes of prep, then the slow cooker takes over.
Great with classic holiday sides or everyday veggies.
Perfectly balanced sweet and tangy flavor in every bite.
Spiral ham is so easy to slice and serve!
Ideal for holidays, but easy enough for a weekend dinner.

Ingredient Notes

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

A flat lay of ingredients on a marble surface for making boneless spiral ham. Items include a wrapped spiral ham, a can of pineapple slices, a bowl of light brown sugar, a stick of salted butter, a spoonful of ground ginger, a small dish of cornstarch, and a dish of Dijon mustard. Each ingredient is labeled with bold black-and-white text.

Boneless ham – A 5 lb boneless spiral cut ham fits well in a 6-quart slow cooker. If you have a larger slow cooker you may be able to fit an 8-to 10-pound ham. If your ham it too large for your slow cooker, simply trim it down a bit so that it fits.
Pineapple – A can of sliced pineapple in 100% juice (keep the juice for the glaze!)
Light brown sugar – Divided, you’ll need some for cooking and some for the glaze. It gives the ham a sweet, caramelized flavor and color.
Dijon mustard + ground ginger – They add gentle warmth and tang without overpowering the sweetness.
Butter – Gives the glaze a smooth, buttery finish.
Cornstarch – Helps to thicken the glaze, so it coats the ham beautifully.

How to Make Crockpot Brown Sugar Pineapple Ham

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Step 1: Sprinkle some of the brown sugar into the bottom of the slow cooker. Place 4-5 pineapple rings on top of the brown sugar, arranging them so they’re evenly spread out. This helps prevent the ham from sticking. Add the ham on top of the pineapple slices, placing it with the flat side down.

Two image collage. Left image shows the bottom of a slow cooker filled with brown sugar and four pineapple rings arranged on top. Right image shows a partially placed ham sitting over the pineapple and brown sugar base.

Step 2: Tuck remaining pineapple slices in the spiral slots and sprinkle some more brown sugar on top of the ham and in between the slices.

Step 3: Pour some of the pineapple juice over the ham, and save the rest for the glaze. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 2.5-4 hours, or until the internal temp reaches reaches 130°F.

Two image collage. Left image shows a spiral sliced ham layered with pineapple rings and sprinkled with brown sugar in a slow cooker. Right image shows a close-up of the same ham highlighting the sugar and pineapple slices between the meat layers.

Step 4: Make the glaze on the stovetop using the remaining pineapple juice and a ladle of ham drippings from the slow cooker. Mix in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and some of the juices), and then add the mustard, ground ginger, and remaining brown sugar, and let it come to a boil. Stir in the butter until melted, and then spoon half of the glaze over the ham and into all the crevices.

Two ingredient collage. Left image shows a saucepan filled with golden brown glaze next to a metal whisk. Right image shows the glaze being poured over spiral sliced ham with pineapple slices.

Step 5: Cook for another 30 minutes until the ham reaches 140°F. Serve warm with extra glaze!

Two side-by-side images. Left image shows a spiral sliced ham layered with pineapple rings in a slow cooker. Right image shows a plate with slices of ham topped with pineapple, served alongside scalloped potatoes and green beans. A platter of ham and a small pitcher of sauce are partially visible above the plate.

Using a larger ham?

If using a larger ham, check the temperature after 3 – 3 ½ hours. Once the temperature reaches 130°F, you can add the glaze, then cook for another 30-60 minutes, until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F. Double the amount of ingredients for the glaze!

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the leftover glaze with the ham or store it separately for sandwiches. We love leftover pineapple ham on a sandwich drizzled with extra glaze!

How to Reheat: Leftovers can be reheated in the oven at 325°F, or if it’s just a slice or two, you can warm them through in the microwave. If you’ve got some extra glaze stored separately, warm that up too and add a fresh drizzle of glaze on top!

A whole glazed spiral sliced slow cooker brown sugar pineapple ham arranged on a white platter, surrounded by pineapple rings.

Recipe Tips

I used a 6 quart slow cooker for a 5 lb ham. If you have a large crock pot, you can use a bigger ham.
Use a digital thermometer for accuracy. The ham should be at 130°F when you start making the glaze, then 140°F when it’s ready to eat, no matter the size of the ham.
A ladle makes it easier to scoop out the juices from the crockpot.
Make sure to get the glaze in the nooks and crannies. Get in between all the slices for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This crock pot brown sugar pineapple ham recipe makes the perfect showstopper for Easter dinner, Christmas dinner, and anytime in between. It’s the kind of easy recipe that works for any special occasion, especially because it pairs well with all your favorite side dishes!

A few of our favorites are brown sugar honey glazed carrots, southern green beans, scalloped potatoes, and baked mac and cheese.

Close-up of sliced boneless spiral ham topped with a ring of pineapple on a white plate. The plate also contains creamy scalloped potatoes and green beans.

Variations & Substitutions

Bone-in ham: Increase the cook time by about 1 hour, depending on size. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 140°F.
Maple or honey glaze: Add 1–2 Tablespoons of maple syrup or honey to the glaze for extra sweetness.
Fresh pineapple: Can be used instead of canned, but you’ll still need pineapple juice for the glaze.
No Dijon? Yellow mustard or stone-ground mustard will work in a pinch.

Recipe FAQs

Can I just dump the whole can of pineapple juice into the crockpot with the ham at the beginning?

I’ve tried this before, and I don’t recommend it. Over the 3-hour cooking time, the pineapple flavor becomes nonexistent. Saving most of the pineapple juice for the glaze at the end ensures there’s plenty of that delicious pineapple flavor in the glaze.

Can I broil the ham once cooked to get a nice color on top?

Spiral hams dry out fast under high heat, so I don’t recommend broiling. The glaze gives you all the shine and flavor you need

What can I make with leftover ham?

We love to use leftovers for crockpot ham and scalloped potatoes, ham and pea salad, and farmer’s casserole.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh, juicy pineapples; however, the flavor won’t be as pronounced, and you’ll still need to pick up some pineapple juice.

Spiral boneless ham with pineapples and a slow cooker in the background.

More Crockpot Main Dish Recipes

Recipe

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Slow Cooker Ham with Pineapple and Brown Sugar

Author: Jaclyn

Prep: 5

Cook: 3 30

Total: 3 35

This slow cooker ham with pineapple and brown sugar is sweet, tangy, and perfectly tender with hardly any prep. The easy pineapple glaze comes together on the stovetop and adds flavor to every slice.

Equipment

6 quart slow cooker

Ingredients

▢ 1 ¼ cup light brown sugar divided
▢ 1 (20 ounce) can sliced pineapple in 100% juice don’t discard juice!
▢ 5 lb boneless spiral cut ham
▢ 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
▢ ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
▢ 1 ½ Tablespoons cornstarch
▢ 3 Tablespoons butter

Instructions

Sprinkle ½ cup brown sugar in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Place 4–5 pineapple rings over the sugar.
1 ¼ cup light brown sugar, 1 (20 ounce) can sliced pineapple in 100% juice
Place ham flat side down on top of the pineapple. Do not add liquid from the ham packaging. Tuck remaining pineapple slices between ham layers and sprinkle ¼ cup brown sugar over and between slices.
5 lb boneless spiral cut ham
Pour ¼ cup pineapple juice over the ham. Cover and cook on low for 2½ to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
Make the glaze: Add the remaining pineapple juice (you should have about ¾ cup) to a measuring cup. Use a ladle to collect ham drippings from the slow cooker and add to the measuring cup until you have a total of 1 ½ cups liquid (juice + drippings). Add this to a small pot. Recover the ham and allow it to continue cooking while you prepare the glaze.
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of the liquid to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the pot along with ½ cup brown sugar, mustard, and ginger. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Cook, stirring often, for 5 minutes or until thickened. Stir in butter.
1 Tablespoon dijon mustard, ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger, 3 Tablespoons butter, 1 ½ Tablespoons cornstarch
Spoon half of the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat between the slices. Cover and cook 30 more minutes, or until ham reaches 140°F.
Slice and serve warm with the remaining glaze.

Notes

I used a 6 quart slow cooker for a 5 lb ham. If you have a larger crock pot, you can fit a larger ham.

If your ham doesn’t fit, you can trim it down and and cook what fits.

Use an instant read meat thermometer for accuracy. The ham should be at 130°F when you start making the glaze, then 140°F when it’s ready to eat, no matter the size of the ham.

Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in oven at 325°F or microwave individual slices.